PUTRAJAYA – Some 35,490 posts with provocative content were taken down in 2023, with 27,115 removed in the first two months of the year, said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
In a statement today, it said that there has been a significant increase in harmful content on social media as well as over-the-top platforms.
Harmful content includes hate speech, scams, unlawful sales, gambling and fake news.
According to the MCMC, provocative content poses a significant threat to the social fabric and institutions in Malaysia.
“A total of 2,004 posts with content related to hate speech and the 3R (royalty, religion, and race) issues potentially inciting violence and discrimination have been taken down since January 2023, while 479 pieces of provocative and 3R content have been taken down since March 13,” it said.
Sharing offensive and threatening content is an offence under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, punishable by a maximum fine of RM50,000 or up to one year in prison if convicted, said the MCMC.
The MCMC added that it will not tolerate or compromise the spread of highly provocative content on social media platforms.
It also reminded all parties to stop posting provocative content and refrain from making provocative comments about sensitive 3Rs issues on social media. – March 29, 2024